Welcome to Storybook Circus!

But today we’re taking a more in-depth tour of Storybook Circus in the New Fantasyland — with a special emphasis on all the fantastic new FOOD, including the house-made caramel corn! But more about that later…

Welcome Area Outside

Occupying the area that was once Mickey’s Toontown Fair, Storybook Circus is themed as an old-fashioned circus straight out of the picture books that I loved as a kid.

Here, you’ll see plenty of touches that recall beloved scenes and a fun retro vibe from the classic film Dumbo, with lots of other Disney characters thrown in for good measure!

Big Top Souvenirs and Big Top Treats Show Kitchen

Big Top Souvenirs takes center stage in Storybook Circus. Inside the huge tent structure, you’ll also find Big Top Treats right in the middle, complete with a show kitchen.

Big Top Souvenirs and Big Top Treats -- Outside View

The sign outside hints at the treats inside, with teasers for cotton candy and caramel apples.

Treats Sign Outside

And cast members embrace the fun atmosphere! This guy with his puppets was hilarious! I totally wanted to tweak his clown nose.

Walking through Cars Land, you literally feel like you’ve stepped into the movie Cars. I honestly do not see how it would be possible to improve the themeing for this new area of Disney California Adventure.

Cozy Cone Motel Sign

Every single detail was well thought out and taken directly from the movie. The experience I had while strolling the streets of Radiator Springs is definitely how I’d imagine jumping into a movie screen and becoming an animated extra would be (OK, maybe I’m a little weird imagining myself as an animated character, don’t judge…)!

The Cozy Cone Motel is perhaps one of the most adorable things I’ve ever seen “come to life.” In this post, we’ll walk through each of the Cones, then take a look at the special Imagineering details at the Cozy Cone Motel as well as an “after dark” photo tour of the amazing neon and lit-up cones here! Here we go!

Atmosphere

My first thought when I walked up to the Cozy Cone Motel was, “Man I wish I could actually stay here.” It looks exactly like the movie; I mean everything from Sally’s office (aka hotel lobby) to the actual cones, which are perfectly sized to make us humans feel like, well, cars.

Sally's Office

Cozy Cones from "the street"

My second thought? “Woah, those are some serious long lines!”

The Cozy Cones are apparently the place to be!

But don’t you worry, I will be back very soon to give all of the cones a try…. In the meantime, check out our previous review, and feast your eyes on the amazingness that is the Cozy Cone Motel!

The Cones

We’ll go through each of the cones in order, so you know what to expect!

As always, we want to make sure all of us are getting the best value with our Disney Dining Plan snack credits!

For those who are unfamiliar with the Disney Dining Plan, it’s a way for guests to pre-pay for their dining when visiting Disney World. “Snack credits” are used by guest to purchase items like popcorn, candy, ice cream, and other low-cost treats.

I’ll list my top six choices, then you tell me your experiences. Let’s work together on finding the best snack credit deals!

Note that snack credits are usually accepted for items that are a single serving, and cost $4.50 or less (though some cost as much as $4.99 out of pocket).

1. Bakeries

A Disney Food Blog staff and reader favorite — bakeries! Not only can you use your snack credit for some incredible treats, but you can also get a pastry for your morning meal. Hey, it’s vacation!

2. Ice Cream Sundaes and Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches

Recently, I’ve been overwhelmed with what kinds of sundaes you can get for a snack credit in Disney World! Easily costing $4.50 or more out of pocket, these sundaes are awesome deals!

Stop by Storybook Treats in the Magic Kingdom to snag a Cookie Fudge Sundae that you can easily split between two! Other options at Storybook Treats include a Brownie Sundae and a yummy Strawberry Shortcake Sundae!

The Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage is available on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights, casting off from the Contemporary Resort. When the holiday season arrives, the cruise will sail every night from November 20, 2011 – January 1, 2012.

Currently, the fare for guests 10 and over is $53.99, and $30.99 for the 3-9 year olds with pre-payment required. To book, call 407-WDW-PLAY (407-939-7529) up to 180 days in advance.

Atmosphere

Upon arrival at the Contemporary Resort, you’ll find the cruise meeting location on the Daily Events Board in the lobby. We knew we had found the right location when we bumped into this scraggly lookin’ fella. Clearly he has not yet discovered the Parmesan mashed potatoes at Chef Mickey’s!

Skeleton Pirate

While the room was filled with entertainment (music, characters, pirates), the pirate decor [Read more…]

Other Disney snacks are more luscious, richer, chewier, and chocolate-ier. I have a place in my heart for some of these sultry sirens (I’m talking to you Disney fudge). But when it comes time to choose a snack to take home with me, I’m going with the Chip & Dale pretzel every time.

Snack-size bag.

Yes, it’s a packaged pretzel. In most cases, it’s the most basic of snack foods, hardly worth mentioning; but if it’s a Chip & Dale pretzel, then it’s so much more. Truly this is the ultimate in [Read more…]

Thanks to Rikki Niblett of the Be Our Guest podcast for spotting these decorative treats commemorating our nation’s upcoming holiday!

While the wonderful World of Disney can be absolutely jam-packed over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, grabbing one of these treats might help the crowd-packed park seem just a bit more sweet. Or the sugar high will at least give you a boost for the next line that you encounter.

Check out these cute red, white, and blue holiday caramel apples! I like the giant star decorations at the top.

An apple a day...

And it looks like these patriotic cupcakes might actually be layered red, white, and blue! (I wonder if the blue is a different flavor! If anyone’s in the World and [Read more…]

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has unveiled new desserts. Check out these dessert trays! They are totally unique and make dessert on-the-go a delicious adventure! No word on exactly WHEN they’re sold, but we’re told you can find them at Hollywood Scoops.

One of my favorite parts of the Disney World snack hierarchy is Goofy’s Candy Company’s create-your-own options. In Downtown Disney, Goofy’s offers a fun little “assembly line” where guests can build a snack from the ground up!

Goofy's Sign

Goofy Statue Inside Store

Prices for create your own

That’s right — true, 100% guest interaction here. (Talk about getting it your way!) YOU decide what snack you want. YOU decide what it’s dipped in. YOU decide the topping. And YOU decide what it’s drizzled with. There are countless different combinations of flavors and snacks. Kinda makes you want to come back again and [Read more…]